Is Calexico or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Calexico is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 86/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 688 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 67% lower. Calexico has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Calexico has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 36.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Calexico — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Calexico, CA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Calexico | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 687.6 | 2,082.4 | -1,394.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 152.2 | 412.4 | -260.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 10.5 | 21.4 | -10.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 28.9 | 77.4 | -48.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 107.6 | 310.9 | -203.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 535.4 | 1,670.0 | -1,134.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 49.9 | 187.4 | -137.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 220.4 | 1,087.1 | -866.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 265.1 | 395.5 | -130.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Calexico or San Diego safer?
Calexico is safer with a total crime rate of 688 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 67% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Calexico has a violent crime rate of 152.2 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Calexico has lower violent crime.
About Calexico, CA
Calexico, a port of entry on the U.S.-Mexico border, is named for its proximity to Mexicali. This Imperial Valley city is predominantly Hispanic, with a rich agricultural history tied to the Colorado River's irrigation. With a safety score of 86/100 and a population coverage of 38,106, Calexico has a total crime rate of 687.6 per 100,000 residents.
About San Diego, CA
San Diego, California, a major port city with a significant Hispanic population, sits on the Pacific Ocean just north of the Mexican border. Known for its mild climate and Balboa Park, it's also home to a large naval presence. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 1,389,024, San Diego has a total crime rate of 2,082.4 per 100,000 residents.